P0D73 code meaning
A/C Compressor Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P0Dxx codes Check engine light
What P0D73 means
P0D73 is the low-signal circuit code for the internal (CPU) temperature sensor of the compressor control module. For an NTC sensor a low signal corresponds to an implausibly hot reading. GM sets it above 274 °C in the 2011–2015 Volt and 2016 ELR, and above 150 °C in the 2016–2019 Volt, where the compressor itself detects the condition and reports it over GMLAN; counting is 30 of 60 samples at 50 ms, 40 of 50 at 100 ms or 4 of 5 s depending on the year, Type B. Values like these suggest a shorted sensor rather than real heat, although genuine overheating of the electronics should be ruled out by checking. The compressor may limit or stop operation. The cold-side code is P0D72, plausibility P0D71.
P0D73 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0D73
- Check engine light after two trips
- Air conditioning reduced or switched off
Common causes of P0D73
- Most likelyShort circuit in the internal temperature sensor path
- Less likelyReal overheating of the compressor electronics
- Less likelyFaulty value transmission to the host controller
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Ac compressor cm internal temp sensor aAc compressor module
What each part of P0D73 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 73 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0D73 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0D73
What does P0D73 mean?
P0D73 means "A/C Compressor Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low". P0D73 is the low-signal circuit code for the internal (CPU) temperature sensor of the compressor control module. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0D73?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0D73 fail an emissions test?
P0D73 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P0D73 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0D73 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.